For as many disruptive technologies that have emerged in the past few decades, one of the most groundbreaking technologies has been cloud computing. Cloud computing – for those of you who don’t know – is the delivery of computing services like servers, databases, networking, and software over the internet. Through this, users can take advantage of faster innovation, more flexible resources, and economies of scale.
Ultimately, this technology is changing the way that both large and small organizations operate. In fact, over 70 percent of all organizations are now using cloud computing. If you work for a large organization, however, there is a possibility that you haven’t yet moved to the cloud, but are contemplating doing so. There may be a variety of reasons for this. That said, some may come down to the simple fact that you or key stakeholders may be intimidated by the switch or may be uncertain about available strategies.
This article helps further explain this technology and some things to consider to successfully implement this technology in your organization. By studying these tips and engaging all relevant stakeholders, you can use this technology to truly transform your business.
Cloud Computing: Tactics for Success
Before moving to the cloud, there are several things that your organization can keep in mind.
First, consider the problems that you are hoping to tackle with cloud computing. According to Gartner, the inherent value of a cloud solution doesn’t lie in the purity of the model itself. Rather, it lies in the appropriateness of the fit of the model to the problems that you are trying to tackle. For instance, your business may only require cloud-enabling technology for things like service delivery. By contrast, you may need a cloud-enhanced solution to power a platform for innovation and business.
Whatever the case may be, gather all relevant stakeholders and engage in a true, honest discussion of what you are hoping to accomplish with cloud technology. You may even want to create a cloud strategy council, which is a collection of key stakeholders that can continually monitor whether your organization is fully leveraging this technology. Whether you create a cloud strategy council or not, clear communication is critical. It will ensure that you are selecting the most appropriate strategies and tools for your own needs.
Along with this, you and your team will want to consider how you can leverage this technology with other disruptive technologies. Cloud technology is the engine that powers other disruptive technologies like the Internet of Things (“IoT”), machine learning and artificial intelligence, and the API economy. You may be thinking about leveraging some (or all) of these disruptive technologies in the course of your operations, so gather your stakeholders and think about how you can integrate both cloud technology and these other technologies in your work.
Next, spend some time considering the new cloud strategies that are available. This disruptive technology is continually evolving. According to Gartner, some of the newer technologies include hybrid cloud, multicloud, cloud native, edge computing, and others. Depending on your organization’s particular needs, some of these options may be extremely compelling. For instance, with edge computing, you can use this technology as a remote service and/or point of coordination or control for the edge. Ultimately, it is extremely valuable to not only understand what your organization needs, but to do some additional research on these topics to see which strategy will be most effective—both in terms of outcomes and costs.
Finally, find a terrific cloud provider and monitor the data. There are plenty of cloud providers (you can find some examples here). Each offer advantages and disadvantages, so you will want to complete some due diligence before making your decision. Whichever direction you go, make sure that you are continuously monitoring your cloud environment when it is up and running. Run tests and don’t be afraid to speak to your CTO or cloud provider if you have any questions. By being proactive, you can eliminate any problems or issues before they escalate.
Game-Changing Technology
Moving to a cloud environment can be laborious, stressful, and expensive. But having said this, it may be one of the best decisions that your organization makes. Ultimately, this technology is truly game-changing and can make both your employees and customers’ lives easier.
